Preparations for the hangi in the school's old sandpit began at 5am, when wood was set alight and allowed to burn down to embers.
Several residents living near the school called emergency services, believing the school was on fire.
Roslyn firefighters and Dunedin police responded to the calls, only to find hangi cook Mikaere Ritchie preparing the food to put on the embers.
While it was slightly embarrassing for the school, principal Ben Sincock said by the time the food was out of the hangi and ready to eat, all of the morning's dramas had been forgotten.
"It's fantastic having a hangi pit on site.
It's a great use for the school's old sandpit.
"We try to have a hangi every year as part of Matariki.
"It's a great opportunity for the children to see how a hangi is prepared and try the food."